Forma, the network for Christian formation in the Episcopal church and beyond, concluded its annual conference this past Thursday. This year’s conference invited participants to explore rest as a spiritual practice and a form of resistance in a world that relentlessly demands our production. Just under 400 participants, from Hawai’i to the East Coast, engaged […]
It is always my honor as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary to welcome leaders from around the Anglican Communion to spend part of their sabbatical with us. Their presence on our campus enriches this body and keeps us ever mindful that our Anglican tradition is far broader than our often-blinkered view of the […]
Today, I am joining Nicky Burridge and Shelagh Casey Brown in Atlanta. This is a friend making trip. We will gather both VTS and GTS alumni and friends and share with them the exciting news about the state of the two seminaries. These trips take considerable coordination. Invites need to go out. A venue needs […]
The start of the semester sermon is now up on our YouTube channel. You can find it here. In the sermon, I explain why we issued the statement in support of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. We were getting various letters, emails, social media posts, and phone calls accusing VTS of educating a marxist woke Bishop […]
It was my mistake. As I set out the VTS position for the calendar year in my start of the semester sermon, I should have highlighted our support for our international students. In a season where “deportation” is a key word, it is not surprising that our international students are concerned about both harassment and […]
The break from Christmas to the end of January is a delight. However, for many staff and faculty, January has been busy. We have had intensives on the campus. Many of the seniors had the General Ordination Examinations. For many departments, there has been some travel. It has been a busy time. Yet this morning […]
On Wednesday afternoon, the faculty made the journey to Meadowkirk at Delta Farm. We are spending two night and one complete day together. It is an opportunity to refresh, connect, and build on our relationships as Faculty sharing responsibility for this remarkable place. VTS is a strong institution for many reasons. However, one element that […]
“Christ Moves Now” is a “faith-based holistic wellness practice.” So, the back cover of Dr. Stephen Redmon’s book explains. It is an intriguing book. Using the QR code, you are taken to a video where you can exercise, stretch, and participate in basic Yoga. Then there are a variety of other faith based exercises that […]
Yesterday I was delighted to represent VTS and GTS in the installation of the new Dean and President of the Seminary of the Southwest. Seminary of the Southwest based in Austin, Texas, is an important, strong, and vibrant seminary. Under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Kittredge, the Seminary flourished. And now Dr. Bader-Saye, […]
It is a joy, this week, to welcome to campus instructors and participants for the Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course (ELMC). This weeklong intensive course (Jan. 18 – Jan. 24) is led by Director of Ethnic Ministries and Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries for the Church, The Rev. Canon Anthony Guillén. The class invites students to […]